Zoku Pops

In my stocking, for Christmas, I got a Zoku; 'The Quick Pop Maker'.    

The patented Zoku Quick Pop™ Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes right on your countertop without electricity. Quickly make striped pops, yogurt pops or (for the first time ever at home) flavored core pops.
{www.zokuhome.com}

I couldn't wait to try it out. 

While I was home sick this weekend, I thought it was a perfect excuse...to aid a sore throat.

I searched online for recipes and decided to make Strawberry Lime Pops. (A strawberry puree & limeade layered pop)

First, you must freeze your Zoku for at least 24 hours. 

(Sidenote: See that Frozen Tangy-lowfat frozen yogurt? LOVE that stuff. It's the most-like the Tart FroYo that you get at places like Pinkberry or Berryline or Orange Leaf, that you can buy in the grocery store. Yum.)

Back to making ice pops...I pureed 10 oz of strawberries, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of lime zest and 1/2 cup of water.

 Then, I took the Zoku out of the freezer, and got out the sticks. 

 I have a single Zoku. They also come in a duo, and triple pop makers. 

When your mixture is ready, insert the pop stick. 

 And pour in the mixture. My recipe called for 3 layers: First the strawberry puree, then limeade, toped off with more strawberry puree. 

You let each layer freeze completely (takes about 5-7 minutes) before adding the next. 

I was planning on adding the third layer, after the limeade, but i accidentally filled it up with just 2 layers.

 7 minutes of sitting on the counter. No plugging in, no putting back in the freezer.

 You can literally see it freezing before your eyes. 

 Then, I took the 'super tool' and twisted it on, and the pop pulled right out. 

Then, you slip the little drip guard on the bottom, for a non-sticky hand experience.
 (To prevent the strawberry mixed in the with the limeade on the side - from bad pouring - I started to use a funnel when pouring in the different liquids.)

 You can create up to 9 pops before needing to re-freeze the Zoku. 

It's so easy, and fun. 
And, I was actually shocked when I tasted my first Strawberry Lime Pop. 
It was seriously delicious. 

They do have this handy storage case for sale online, but I think a plate will be fine...well...until my Zoku designer pops start taking over NE Connecticut.                           

                                              

Also for sale online are Zoku tools, that will aid you in making some pretty fancy pops.

Like.....

The Core Pop

The Fruit Pop

The Layer Pop

The Angle Pop

The Stencil Pop

Character Pops!

And Chocolate Dipped! 

You can find recipes online, create your own, or use the Zoku quick pops recipe book. 

Check out all the Zoku products here! 

I think I'll try some yogurt pops next. 
Who knew popsicles could get so homemade & fancy?